Creamy nut milks made from almonds, cashews, and more have become popular dairy-free alternatives. But did you know how easy it is to make your own fresh nut milk at home using a Vitamix?
With the power of a Vitamix high-speed blender, you can quickly transform raw nuts into silky smooth, nutritious milk in your own kitchen. No gum stabilizers or other additives needed!
Lets get to the ingredients and recipe real quick.
Ingredients for Making Nut Milk
To make nut milk using a nut milk bag, you will need the following ingredients:
- Raw nuts of your choice (such as almonds, cashews, pecans, or hazelnuts)
- Filtered water
- A blender
- A fine mesh nut milk bag for straining
The amount of nuts you need depends on how much milk you want to make, but most recipes call for around 1/2 to 1 cup of nuts.
You will also need to soak the nuts in water overnight or for at least two hours, drain and rinse them, and blend them with fresh water in a blender.
How to Make Nut Milk with a Vitamix Blender
Creating fresh and flavorful nut milk at home is incredibly easy with a Vitamix blender. This method allows you to enjoy preservative-free, creamy nut milk, customizable to your taste preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making nut milk:
Soak the Nuts
- Soak the nuts in water either overnight or for at least two hours to ensure they are soft enough for blending.
Drain and Rinse
- After soaking, drain and thoroughly rinse the nuts under cool running water.
Blending Preparation
- Add the rinsed nuts and fresh water to the Vitamix blender, maintaining a typical ratio of 1 cup of nuts to 4 cups of water.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of salt and your choice of sweeteners or flavorings, such as maple syrup, medjool dates, or vanilla extract.
Blend to Perfection
- Blend the mixture on high speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the nuts are fully pulverized and the concoction is creamy and smooth.
Strain the Milk
- Pour the blended mixture through a nut milk bag or a cheesecloth into a bowl or pitcher, squeezing to extract as much liquid as possible.
Store Properly
- Store the freshly made nut milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 5 days. Since separation may occur, ensure to shake well before each use.
What are some common sweeteners that can be added to nut milk?
- Maple syrup – Adds maple flavor and sweetness
- Honey – Imparts floral notes and sweetness
- Dates – Provide natural sweetness and blend smoothly
- Vanilla – Enhances flavor and balances out nutty taste
- Cinnamon – Warming spice that complements nut milk
- Agave nectar – Sweeter than sugar so use sparingly
- Stevia – Zero calorie sweetener good for low sugar diets
How can you make nut milk creamier?
- Use less water when blending – More nuts to water makes richer milk
- Add coconut cream or coconut butter – Adds creamy texture
- Blend in avocado – Imparts smooth, creamy mouthfeel
- Use blanched almonds – Skinless almonds result in smoother milk
- Soak nuts longer – 12+ hours softens nuts for better breakdown
- Strain through cheesecloth – Ensures finest nut particles for creaminess
- Chill before drinking – Cold temperature makes nut milk thicker
Can you use Vitamix to make nut milk from pre-soaked nuts?
Yes, you can make nut milk in a Vitamix with nuts that have been pre-soaked. Soaking the nuts ahead softens them so they blend more smoothly. Make sure to drain and rinse the nuts well before adding to the Vitamix.
The remaining process is the same – blend nuts and water on high until creamy then strain through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer. Pre-soaking lets you whip up nut milk faster.
